6 reasons why I'm excited about GIMP 3

by
url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url url

Key findings

  • GIMP 3 promises a modern user interface with high-resolution icons, better spacing, and improved navigation for a more user-friendly experience.
  • Enjoy speed and performance improvements in GIMP 3 thanks to the switch to the GTK+3 toolkit, which offers faster rendering and better tablet support.
  • The long-awaited non-destructive editing feature, layer groups, improved color management and an extension manager will be the main highlights of GIMP 3.



GIMP is a powerful and versatile open source solution in the field of image editing. GIMP was released in 1995 and received its first really big upgrade in 2004 with version 2.0. GIMP underwent a major overhaul in 2018 with the release of version 2.10 and now all eyes are on the highly anticipated release of GIMP 3. Looking at the company's development roadmap, it's pretty obvious why GIMP 3 is generating so much buzz. These are the main reasons why I'm excited about GIMP 3 and why you should be too.

In early 2024, the company released a developer preview of GIMP 2.99.18. Although it is unstable and not intended for general use, you can try it out to see some of the features GIMP has in store for version 3.0.

6 User interface update

old user interface of GIMP


Although GIMP is praised for its extensive list of features, the user interface has never been its strong suit. It looks dated, shows blurry icons on a high-resolution display, and lacks a powerful theming engine that some of its established competitors offer. Overall, GIMP in its current form looks dated and reminiscent of the 2000s. Thankfully, it will get a modern user interface with version 3.0, and you can already get some glimpses in the development preview of version 2.99.18.

GIMP 3 user interface
New GIMP user interface


First of all, GIMP is not being radically redesigned in version 3.0. All options will still be in their right place and existing GIMP users will feel familiar. For example, GIMP 3 will have high-resolution icons and panels and better spacing between the different tools on the panels. You will also be able to choose font scaling and icon size in the Preferences menu (already available in version 2.99). GIMP 3 will be much easier to use and navigate, especially on high-resolution panels.

Theme menu in GIMP to change icon and font size

5 Speed ​​and performance improvements

Thanks to the move to a modern GTK+3 toolkit, you'll certainly see performance improvements in GIMP 3. On old hardware, you might not notice the difference right away, but if you have a modern laptop or desktop, GIMP 3 will give you a faster and more responsive experience.


GTK+3 also has a consistent API that makes it easier for third-party developers to work with GIMP 3. It offers better support for graphics tablets, handling of high-resolution displays, and Wayland support for Linux users. A new caching system also reduces startup time and makes the rendering tools faster than before.

4 Non-destructive machining

A screenshot of the image editing program GIMP running on Ubuntu

Non-destructive editing is one of the most requested features from the GIMP community and I'm happy to see it's available with version 3.0. As the name suggests, you can finally make changes while keeping the original image data intact. The software makes changes on separate layers or through instructions that can be modified.


With non-destructive editing, you don't have to rely on a not-so-reliable undo function to reverse changes. Overall, it offers flexibility, maintains image quality, and allows you to experiment freely without fear of losing the original image data. Unfortunately, GIMP plans to release this with version 3.2, although we may see an initial implementation with v3.0.

3 Layer functions

GIMP theme support

GIMP 3 finally supports layer groups, where you can select multiple layers together and apply multiple effects and transformations to them with a single click. This feature allows you to apply a number of effects, such as filters, directly to layers, with the advantage that they can be fully edited and removed even after application.


2 Color Invasion

Screenshot of GIMP using the color balance tool

GIMP already offers color management in the settings menu. However, version 3.0 will significantly improve it. Finally, GIMP 3.0 will handle more than just the usual sRGB color space for digital images. The system will support direct editing of CMYK images (for printing), add spot color channels, and perhaps even handle CIELAB or other color spaces. HDR support is expected later.

1 Extension Manager

A dedicated extension manager in GIMP 3


I've been waiting for this for ages. Although GIMP has extensive third-party extension support, they are all scattered across the internet. Users have to find them on the internet and in third-party sources, which can be cumbersome at times.

GIMP users can find icon themes, brushes, plug-ins and other extensions with just a few clicks. A new wrapper format (.gex) is supported for developers to use.

With GIMP 3 I can easily access the Edit > Manage Extensions Menu and check installed extensions and system extensions and look for new ones. The option is already available in the development preview of GIMP 2.99 and I can't wait to see how it turns out in version 3.0.


The update we've all been waiting for

With its revamped interface, a wealth of new features, tweaks, and easy access to third-party extensions, GIMP 3 will delight both casual users and seasoned pros. Suffice it to say, GIMP 3 is generating a lot of excitement in the community for all the right reasons. If you're still not sure whether to switch from Adobe Photoshop, check out our separate comparison guide and make an informed decision between these programs based on your image editing workflow.

Leave a Comment